What To Expect After Bariatric Surgery

We have been providing advanced bariatric weight loss and surgical care in Central Iowa for more than 30 years, performing over 2,000 bariatric weight-loss surgeries. There are many post surgery resources and suggestions to follow after surgery.

Symptoms Following Surgery

Following surgery, it is important to call the bariatric surgeon right away if experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Swollen leg with pain behind the knee or calf

• Fever over 101° F

• Shortness of Breath

• Persistent abdominal pain or worsening abdominal pain

The following situations might occur after surgery and are considered common:

• Blood in Stool

• Bloody Wound Discharge

• Nausea

• Discomfort

• Ulcers

• Pouch outlet stenosis

Dietary Complications

Your diet becomes one of the most important parts of your day following bariatric surgery. If you become sick and do not feel like eating, keep your fluids going and let your stomach rest. The following dietary symptoms are common following surgery:

Nausea and Vomiting

Dehydration

Dumping Syndrome

Food Intolerances

Overeating

Weight Gain Following Surgery

If you begin to progressively regain weight, you need to see the doctor. There may be mechanical causes such as the pouch stretching, the outlet from the pouch enlarging, or disruption of the staple-line separating the old and new stomach. There also may be behavioral causes such as grazing (frequent snacking), poor food choices, or inadequate exercise. 

Your surgeon will evaluate and determine the most appropriate solution. Once you have had a weight loss surgery you will always strive for a balance between the calories you ingest and the calories you expend. It is this fine tuning that allows patients with bypasses to maintain their weight.

Follow-Up Schedule

After surgery, you will follow-up with your surgeon, family health provider, and bariatric educator. Below is the schedule of follow-ups. You will note that after the first two years, an annual appointment is necessary.

Though serious problems after hospital discharge are uncommon when they do occur it is imperative that they are reported immediately to Grinnell Bariatrics.

Bariatric Follow-up Sequence

Surgical Hospital Stay


1 Week Follow up with Surgeon


1 Month Follow-up with Surgeon